2019 NFL power rankings, Week 5: Browns impress, Falcons regress

Recap: New head coach Zac Taylor is still looking for his first victory as an NFL sideline leader. And the defense that allowed the most total yards and passing yards in the league in 2018 has had a very rough two weeks this season, making winning a very tall order. In the recent losses to the 49ers (571) and Bills (416), the Bengals allowed a combined 987 total yards, including 434 on the ground.

Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton had a big outing on the opening Sunday at Seattle but after three outings in ‘19, the nine-year pro has as many touchdown passes (5) as turnovers. Wideouts Tyler Boyd and John Ross have had their moments and tight end Tyler Eifert is healthy again.

Next Week: Six days after their Monday night trip to Heinz Field, the Bengals play host to the Arizona Cardinals for the first time since 2011 as Taylor’s club faces an NFC West opponent for the third time in five games. The clubs last met four years ago in the desert and Cincinnati was on the short end of a 34-31 Sunday night decision.

Playoff hopes: Are the Bengals capable of reversing their misfortunes? The defense has been a big disappointment for the second straight year and the ground game is struggling. And a team that opened 2018 with four wins in its first five outings is in the midst of a disappointing 2-12 stretch entering Monday’s tilt with the Steelers.

Recap: The Men from Mile High had lost their first three games for the first time since 1999. And the team’s talented defense entered Sunday’s game with the Jaguars without a sack or a takeaway. The former changed with five traps of Jaguars’ quarterback Gardner Minshew but Vic Fangio’s club failed to force a turnover once again.

Quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 303 yards and three scores (one interception) and his eight-yard TD toss to Cortland Sutton with 1:32 to play (and the ensuing PAT) gave the Broncos a one-point lead. But just as was the case in the Week 2 loss to the Bears, Denver’s defense gave up a late drive and lost at the gun via a field goal by the visitors.

Next Week: The Broncos play their second road divisional game in the season when they visit Los Angeles to face the Chargers. A season ago, these longtime rivals split their two-game set, with the home team taking it on the chin in both contests. That includes Denver’s surprising 23-22 road victory a season ago in Week 11.

Playoff hopes: For the second time in three weeks, Fangio’s team looked to protect a two-point lead at home only to see a team drive late and pull out the win with a field goal on the final play of the game. After only four weeks, the Broncos are already four games behind the Chiefs and the only team in the AFC West with a losing record.

Next: Nos. 26 and 25